Grace enters
the visible world.

Catholics do not see the sacraments as empty symbols. Instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, they are visible signs through which the Holy Spirit gives the grace each sign reveals.

VISIBLE SIGNWhat can be seen, heard, touched, tasted

CHRIST’S PROMISEThe risen Lord acts through his Church

SACRAMENTAL GRACEGod gives what the sign signifies

CCC 1114–1131

ONE ORGANIC WHOLE

Every threshold of Christian life

The Catechism groups the seven sacraments by their purpose. Together they give birth and growth, healing, and mission to the life of faith.

Birth • strength • nourishment

Christian Initiation

CCC 1212

These sacraments lay the foundations of Christian life: we are reborn, strengthened by the Spirit, and nourished by Christ himself.

01Indelible seal

Baptism

Visible sacramental sign: Water + the Trinitarian invocation
Scriptural foundation: Matthew 28:19 • Acts 2:38
Grace given: New birth; forgiveness of sin; incorporation into Christ and his Church.

02Indelible seal

Confirmation

Visible sacramental sign: Sacred chrism + laying on of hands
Scriptural foundation: Acts 8:14–17 • Acts 19:5–6
Grace given: A fuller outpouring of the Holy Spirit and strength to witness to Christ.

Eucharist

Visible sacramental sign: Bread + wine; Christ’s words of institution
Scriptural foundation: Luke 22:19–20 • 1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Grace given: Christ himself—Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity—uniting his people in the one sacrifice and communion.

Forgiveness • strength • restoration

Healing

CCC 1420–1421

Christ the physician continues his work among the wounded: restoring communion after sin and sustaining the seriously ill or frail.

Penance & Reconciliation

Visible sacramental sign: Contrition + confession + priestly absolution
Scriptural foundation: John 20:21–23 • 2 Corinthians 5:18
Grace given: Forgiveness from God and reconciliation with the Church wounded by sin.

Anointing of the Sick

Visible sacramental sign: Oil of the sick + the priest’s prayer
Scriptural foundation: Mark 6:13 • James 5:14–15
Grace given: Strength, peace and courage; union with Christ’s Passion; healing when God wills.

III

Consecrated to build up others

Communion & Mission

CCC 1533–1535

These sacraments give a particular mission in the Church. Their graces serve the communion, holiness, and fruitfulness of the whole People of God.

06Indelible seal

Holy Orders

Visible sacramental sign: Laying on of the bishop’s hands + consecratory prayer
Scriptural foundation: Acts 6:6 • 1 Timothy 4:14 • 2 Timothy 1:6
Grace given: A sacred ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and shepherding in Christ’s name.

Matrimony

Visible sacramental sign: The spouses’ free exchange of consent
Scriptural foundation: Genesis 2:24 • Matthew 19:4–6 • Ephesians 5:25–32
Grace given: A covenantal union strengthened for faithful love, family life, and mutual sanctification.

THE CENTERThe Eucharist is the “Sacrament of sacraments.”

Every sacrament flows from Christ’s Paschal mystery. The Eucharist occupies a unique place because all the others are ordered toward the communion it contains.

CCC 1211 • CCC 1324

THE PERMANENT SEALThree sacraments are received only once.

Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders imprint an indelible spiritual character—a lasting participation in Christ’s priesthood for worship and service.

CCC 1121